Midterm report card: Dashon Goldson

Dashon Goldson is the best safety in the NFC and the MVP of the 49ers secondary this season.

The 49ers were reluctant to give Goldson a five-year contract extension before the season. He played well in 2011, but did not play well in 2010. The Niners wanted Goldson to become more consistent, so they gave him the 1-year Franchise tag. They’re probably going to have to give him that five-year contract next offseason.

He’s the biggest reason the 49ers defense rarely gives up a deep pass. He’s one of the hardest hitting safeties in the league. He’s intercepted two passes. He has incredible range, both from sideline to sideline and from the back end of the defense to the line of scrimmage. He can line up 20 yards deep and still be the first one to hit the running back.

Goldson gave up a touchdown the first game of the season against the Packers, but he hasn’t given up one since then. He’s been flagged for three personal foul penalties and he’s missed five tackles. That’s the only reason he gets an A- and not an A.